Pulp Stones May Signal Hidden Diabetes Risks
New research suggests that finding dental pulp stones — small calcified nodules inside the tooth pulp — might be more than just an incidental dental imaging finding; it could also serve as a warning sign of underlying systemic conditions such as diabetes.
The Study & Findings
Researchers examined panoramic radiographs from a group of 107 patients with diabetes (average age ~49.7 years) and compared them to 300 healthy controls. They found that 38% of those with diabetes had pulp stones visible on their scans, compared to 21% in the non-diabetic group. At the same time, carotid artery calcifications (a vascular indicator) were present in 41% of diabetic patients versus just 14% of healthy subjects. Those with diabetes were about 2.6 times more likely to have carotid calcifications and nearly twice as likely to have pulp stones. Furthermore, individuals with pulp stones were found to be 1.5 times more likely to also show carotid calcifications — suggesting a possible link between pulp stone formation and systemic vascular changes.
Why It Matters
Dental pulp is a highly vascular and innervated tissue with limited collateral blood supply. In conditions like diabetes, microvascular damage, chronic inflammation, and altered metabolism can impair pulp tissue circulation, potentially triggering mineralization and calcification — hence, pulp stone formation. The co-occurrence of vascular calcifications and pulp stones in diabetic patients hints that what we observe in the mouth might mirror changes in the body’s circulation and metabolism.
Implications for Dental Practice
For dental professionals, the takeaway is that pulp stones — usually asymptomatic and found incidentally — may warrant a broader view. Rather than dismissing them as mere curiosities, clinicians might consider discussing systemic health with patients who display multiple or large pulp stones. This could mean:
Asking about diabetes symptoms or risk factors (e.g., family history, obesity, high blood sugar)
Referring the patient for medical evaluation if suspicion is high
Documenting pulp stone findings in the dental record as an adjunct indicator
Important Caveats
The authors emphasize that the study is observational and cannot confirm a causal relationship between pulp stones and diabetes or vascular disease. Moreover, the sample size is moderate and drawn from one geographic region. Variables such as diabetes duration, control, treatment and other systemic conditions were not fully explored — all factors that could influence calcification rates. More longitudinal and larger-scale studies are needed to validate these associations.
Original Article Info
Title: Study: Dental pulp stones suggest underlying systemic conditions such as diabetes
Source: Oral Health Group — August 29, 2025